This is one of those recordings that is best heard through headphones in order to appreciate fully the fabulously rich texture of this wonderful orchestra. Harnoncourt has it purring along from the start, plumping up a generous cushion of sound on which to float the equally impressive Arnold Schoenberg Choir, who luxuriate in Brahms's glorious vocal lines. Thomas Hampson and Genia Kuhmeier are in terrific form, but some of Harnoncourt's tempi seem a little laboured, particularly in the penultimate Denn wir haben hier keine bleibende Statt. All is beautifully laid to rest, however, in the final, serene Selig sind die Toten.